Letters (Jan. 8, 2017)

Stockton politics is not for the meek hearted. Some have compared it to a blood sport and, apparently, our new shepherd is sharpening his knife.

As much as I like our new leading man, it seems his mask of benevolence is slipping off. The face of a gloating individual with a neurotic need for attention is emerging. At the same time, not everyone sees things in black and white, like our non-elected loudest civic activist Motecuzoma Sanchez. He does bring up an interesting question. How can the mayor’s position that refused additional staffing for our former mayor, suddenly make sense?

Can our new shining example of youthful leadership be receiving malicious guidance, and was revenge always his intention? It’s plain to see Christiana Fugazi’s battle with her moral barometer is considered a handicap by his administration. Apparently, our new leading man is not as interested in doing the right thing, as he is in getting what he thinks is right.

This is why I’ve never voted for charismatic leaders. I prefer grounded, logical mature thinkers with concern for the needy, while maintaining a close watch on spending. Although we need cooperation in order to accomplish greater goals, there is room for discussion and debate.

While it’s true many who voted for Anthony Silva were embarrassed by his antics, Fugazi was not responsible for his behavior and should not be punished. If anything, remaining council members should attempt to build trust, not destroy her. Nor is it betrayal to disagree, or a crime to say so.

While gloating over a new toy maybe acceptable for average citizens, shouldn’t our newly elected leading man be exemplifying higher standards? Does he really represent everyone or just those who submit to his dictations? Must we genuflect as homage, or can we continue to voice our opinions as free American citizens? The question may also have to be answered on a national scale.

George Martinez

Stockton

Obama’s abysmal economic record

Mickey McGuire (Letters, Jan. 23) characterized criticism of President Barack Obama’s economic record as “filled with exaggerations, half-truths and worse.”

McGuire noted that Obama had had 75 straight months of job growth. By itself, that statistic is fine and dandy, but like other Obama fans, he is painting Obama’s economy with a false rosy glow.

For eight recessions dating back to 1960, the average economic growth for the recovery has been 3.9 percent. Obama’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was a measly 2.1 percent. Compare that with one of the best records, President Reagan’s 4.8 percent annual growth for his recovery. Obama is the only president in American history never to have had even one year of 3 percent GDP growth. His economic recovery has officially been deemed the worst recovery in U.S. history.

According to a recent study by economics professors at Princeton and Harvard, 94 percent of the job growth during the past decade has consisted of part-time, temporary and contract jobs, hardly a staple of an economy that benefits middle-class families and young workers seeking to support families.

If that isn’t enough, the Obama economy features the lowest home ownership in five decades, the lowest labor participation rate since the 1970s (in other words, the economy is so bad people have given up looking for work), nearly 13 million more Americans on food stamps, and more than 43 million Americans living in poverty.

Only an Obama loyalist could consider this economic record in a positive light.

Sara Blicharz

Stockton

Trump a man of action

It was refreshing to watch the press conference for President Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. The president was punctual (I expected him to be) and he was brief in his comments. It was over in 15 minutes.

Unlike his predecessor, President Trump is about action not words.

I am very excited to see what he will boldly do to return our nation to respect around the world.

In just a few days since his inauguration, he has proven he intends to keep his campaign promises. His action encourages me that he can be trusted.

Now we must pray for him and all our leaders just as we have done before. It’s not about “the party” it’s about what is best for America and our children.

Nancy L. Boone

Stockton

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